Thursday, November 13, 2014

I am sniffling and sneezing and aching and wanting my bed, but I figured that this post was more important than my beauty rest. (: First of all, I am blown away by the tremendous response we've had so far to Haden's fundraiser. We have received close to $3,000 in donations in about 30 hours! It is such a beautiful thing to watch. I am so grateful for every single dollar that has been donated and for every person who has shared the fundraiser. Thank you all so much! Please continue to share and donate as you feel led! (:

As I peruse the sweet children waiting to be adopted, my heart is definitely pricked by some more than others. Sweet little Luke has recently done this to me! Doesn't he remind you of someone?

Luke at his orphanage

Sophi at her orphanage

Practically twins at that age-- in fact, his birthday is just one day apart from hers! (She's three years older.) I have to tell a cute little story about Luke. Sophi calls her little "shoulders" her "nubbies." This is because of Tisha Unarmed-- Sophi's favorite youtube sensation and personal friend (Tisha has skyped with Sophi and was ever so sweet with her.) When Sophi saw this picture of Luke without his shirt on, she looked very confused and exclaimed, "Oh! Is that what boy nubbies look like?" Ha! She then said, "I like my girl nubbies better." I was glad for that last statement because I thought she might be jealous that he had the starts of arms-- a fact that I'm sure will be an asset to him. (:

So tonight I'm going to leave you with little Luke's profile. Surely there is someone out there that needs a "Sophi" in their life! (Sophi calls any kid without arms a "Sophi.") He even has a leg discrepancy like her. What a little rock star!

Luke, born in September 2012, is now an absolutely adorable 2-year-old! Despite his physical limitations, he is creative and persistent. It is amazing what Luke has been able to accomplish; can you imagine what he could do with the support of his forever family?

On an early September day in 2012, police received a report that there was a male baby left on the back road to a local temple. After an unsuccessful search for his birth parents, Luke was taken to the orphanage. His initial physical notes say he was 1 day old and was missing his upper limbs and had a club foot. Even at such a young age, it was also noted that he was in good spirits.

Luke has spent his first 2 years in an orphanage. Under their watchful care, he has developed well physically and intellectually. At three months, he could roll over, track objects with his eyes and make babbling sounds. At 5 months, he could control his head well, laugh loudly, and loved to look around. At 8 months old, he could crawl, knew his name, and could understand facial expressions. Luke is an active, restless little guy who loves to be cuddled and has a great little smile!

The official diagnosis for Luke is missing forearms, shortening of the left lower limb, left little toe deformity and spina bifida occulta. In a September 2014 update, his caregivers say Luke can sit without support, crawl, and stand with support. He loves colorful, sound-making toys. He uses his arm and foot to hold a bottle. He also uses his neck and shoulder to hold an object. Luke can use his feet to play with a toy and pinch his food. He can even use his forearm to wipe his own tears. But you know, he really should have a mama and baba to do that for him!

If you want to learn more about little Luke, leave a comment or send me a private message at christi405@yahoo.com.

When we fell in love 20 years ago, we started down a path that has been challenging, exhausting, and breathtakingly beautiful. Here we chronicle the blessings and stressings of parenting some pretty amazing children. We think they're the perfect travel companions as we look forward to the next fork in the road. Welcome to our journey.

Jeremy and Christianne

Taylor Jeremy--18

Parker Matthew--17

The red-headed social butterfly, he's our all-star athlete, top student, outdoor-loving, spunky second-born, with a heart of pure gold!

Jessica Anne "Jesi"--14

Our little princess with the big smile, Jesi loves fashion, friends, hanging with her siblings, and vacations. She sparkles!

Jacob Michael-- 6/8/2004

Little one of heavenly birth, born too soon to bloom on earth. You have taught us so much--we love you, Jacob!

Emily Anne "Emmy"--9/28/2005

Emily's exquisite little hands and feet have left their mark in this world. Her body was tiny, but her spirit enormous. We miss her!

Elizabeth Mei "Elli"--13

Elli's world may be dark, but she's the light of our lives! Lover of music, chocolate, and new toys, she fights a courageous battle with autism while bringing joy to all who know her!!

Gracelin Kate "Graci"--19

Showing true grace throughout her battles with heart disease and pulmonary hypertension, our Gracester is loved by everyone! She's smart, gorgeous, friendly, and has faith to move mountains!

Alexander Philip "Xander"--12

With a spunk and smile that could outmatch anyone's, our Xander has not let Cloves Syndrome get the best of him. He's a talented chef, a caring friend to MANY, our best helper, and is full of teenage humor.

Alexis Li "Lexi"--13

Meet the friendliest girl on the planet! Blind from birth, Lexi amazes all of us with her braille skills, determination, talents, but mosly by the way she spends her days SMILING. She is an angel in every way. We are thrilled to have our darling daughter home six years from China!!

Sophia Breanne "Sophi"--9

Her eyes called out to us from half-way around the world. Little Sophi is growing up and we would do anything to freeze her in time! She's beautiful, smart, and coy and can do amazing things with her toes! She has inspired people all around the world and we can't believe she is ours. Sophi = perfection.

Calais Rose "Cali"--17

Charming Cali joined our family in December of 2012. This girl is beautiful both inside and out. Born with spina bifida, Cali is confined to a wheelchair, but that does not keep her from enjoying life to the fullest. She is smart, opinionated, strong, and lovely in every way. She is a light in our family and a magnet for handsome young men!

Conner Allen-- 17

Meet our newest addition! Home three years from China, Conner makes us wonder what we ever did without him. Blind from birth, he will blow you away with his incredible talent on the piano. He is sweet, witty, girl-crazy, kind and finally, OURS! We love you, Conner!

The Dog

Baxter-- 6 months

She begged and pleaded and wrote letter after letter telling us why she NEEDED a dog, and Sophi finally got her wish! Meet Baxter, the cutest mini-audssiedoodle on the planet.